"We're a little biased, so obviously we're going to look to protect
our own space as best we can and get exclusivity," he said.

"Whilst I can't be specific about the terms and conditions, you can
be very confident we seek to maximise our own advantage to ensure the playing
field is even, and certainly plays to our advantage wherever possible.

"As you can also imagine, our partners have to be mindful of the
relationship they have with all platform holders, and they need to be equitable.
But there are contractual situations where we get agreement with different
people to do different things, and through what we have available on Xbox Live,
we are able to offer things other people can't offer, that allows that
exclusivity and unique elements to it that might not otherwise be available
elsewhere."

"Titles for Xbox 360 must ship at least simultaneously with other
video game platform, and must have at least feature and content parity on-disc
with the other video game platform versions in all regions where the title is
available," it reads.

"If these conditions are not met, Microsoft reserves the right to
not allow the content to be released on Xbox 360."

This also applies to Xbox Live Arcade games. Other Online Content
"must simultaneously release on Xbox Live Marketplace in all regions where the
game is available". Any demo on Xbox Live Marketplace "must ship within the same
week of its launch on other video game platforms or via magazines".

Sony's policy, however, appears to be more relaxed. Generally,
games that launch on Xbox Live Arcade first eventually emerge on PSN. Limbo,
Castlevania: Harmony of Despair and Lara Croft: Guardian of Light are just a few
high-profile examples.

While Lewis refused to rule out the possibility of publishing
downloadable games that launch on PSN first in the future, "I'd be surprised if
we saw that as something we'd encourage," he said.

"But, honestly, and this is going to sound a bit contrived, we just
want what our consumers want from us. We want to be where they want us to be. We
want the quality bar of what they experience from us to continue to go up. I
think it has to happen. Everybody's got to do that. If we want to continue to
command healthy average selling prices, which we all do, that which we offer our
consumers has got to keep getting better.

"Despite the fact it can be irksome to have such strong competition
all the time, it actually does keep us on our toes. It's great for everyone, and
it makes for a very healthy race to higher and higher levels of quality of game
experiences."

Not all agree, however. One representative from a publisher who
wished to remain anonymous told Eurogamer Microsoft's policy blocks developers
from taking advantage of other platforms' strengths.

"Microsoft is suggesting that anything but parity will result in
them not carrying a title. They may think this is competitive, but it's not.
They are killing any creative exposure of titles to make up for their own
platform's shortcomings."

Last year Eurogamer revealed that
Summer of Arcade games must remain Xbox Live Arcade
exclusive for at least four weeks.

I'm not cool to use the dollar sign for MS, cause I understand that Sony and Nintendo give their products away since both are not for profit companies. Why anyone would complain because MS secured a good deal for them to make money on is really kind of stupid
to even point out. I love the 360 the most so I'm glad MS has plans to provide me with the most content or at least equal content so that I don't have to have every system just for one item or game.

Activision was paid handsomely to release COD map packs on Xbox first. Dead Money for Fallout New Vegas was also released on XBL first. Why would companies like Activision and Bethesda turn down millions of dollars to release content on XBL first?